Show Proof of Insurance with Your Phone
Kentucky Approves Electronic Proof of Car Insurance
Kentucky became the 11th state to allow drivers to keep an electronic version of their auto insurance card to show proof of coverage.
Gov. Steve Beshear signed the bill, HB 164, on March 22, 2013.
“Approval of HB 164 is good news for consumers and the courts,” said Jeffrey Junkas, a regional manager for the trade organization Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). “Drivers can show they carry insurance in a traffic stop even without the little piece of paper in their glove compartment and courts can avoid unnecessary fix-it tickets.”
An insurance card in an electronic format means displaying an image on any portable electronic device, including a cellular phone or any other type of mobile electronic device, depicting a current valid representation of the card.
Smartphones and PDF Copies
It means you can show proof of insurance with a smartphone app or a PDF copy of your policy. If you buy auto coverage online, you can get proof of insurance immediately. Updated information can be sent by smartphone after each renewal, always keeping the most up-to-date version handy on your phone.
Both Arkansas and Wyoming have cleared similar bills this year. Other states that allow electronic proof include: Alabama, Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, and Minnesota. They all allow using e-cards at traffic stops and during vehicle registration.
PCI anticipates that over 20 states will consider electronic proof of coverage bills or regulations in 2013.
Insurance companies are also catching up. State Farm offers digital identification cards via its “Pocket Agent” app, and Geico also offers a digital ID card via its mobile app.
